In a UK-first, Wales now has mandatory licensing rules in place.
From Friday, November 29, practitioners and individuals in charge of premises or vehicles where any of four special procedures are performed must complete an infection prevention and control course for special procedures, and their premises and vehicles must meet strict safety standards, among other criteria.
These new measures, introduced by the Welsh Government, aim to reduce the hygiene and safety risks of these special procedures, such as bloodborne infections, by making sure only licensed practitioners can operate and procedures are only performed in approved premises and vehicles.
There are more than 4,000 practitioners operating in Wales who will need to be licensed, and over 2,000 premises will require approval under the new mandatory licensing scheme.
All individuals must apply for a licence, or a premises or vehicle approval certificate from their local authority. A national register will publicise all valid licence holders and approval certificate holders in Wales.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Keith Reid, said, “This new licensing scheme provides important reassurance for anybody thinking about getting acupuncture, electrolysis, a piercing, tattoo or semi-permanent makeup that the practitioner they use is licensed and the premises or vehicle where the procedure is performed has been approved.
“The compulsory licensing scheme ensures that both clients and practitioners are protected, and I am pleased the measures have been widely welcomed by the industry.
We want to see these special procedures take place hygienically, safely and in appropriate environments, and the licensing scheme will provide assurance that the appropriate standards are being met.”
From Friday, November 29, practitioners and individuals in charge of premises or vehicles where any of four special procedures are performed must complete an infection prevention and control course for special procedures, and their premises and vehicles must meet strict safety standards, among other criteria.
These new measures, introduced by the Welsh Government, aim to reduce the hygiene and safety risks of these special procedures, such as bloodborne infections, by making sure only licensed practitioners can operate and procedures are only performed in approved premises and vehicles.
There are more than 4,000 practitioners operating in Wales who will need to be licensed, and over 2,000 premises will require approval under the new mandatory licensing scheme.
All individuals must apply for a licence, or a premises or vehicle approval certificate from their local authority. A national register will publicise all valid licence holders and approval certificate holders in Wales.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Keith Reid, said, “This new licensing scheme provides important reassurance for anybody thinking about getting acupuncture, electrolysis, a piercing, tattoo or semi-permanent makeup that the practitioner they use is licensed and the premises or vehicle where the procedure is performed has been approved.
“The compulsory licensing scheme ensures that both clients and practitioners are protected, and I am pleased the measures have been widely welcomed by the industry.
We want to see these special procedures take place hygienically, safely and in appropriate environments, and the licensing scheme will provide assurance that the appropriate standards are being met.”
